1954 Aston Martin DB3 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Aston Martin DB3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Aston Martin DB3 would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Aston Martin DB3 (180 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Aston Martin DB3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 682 kg more than 1954 Aston Martin DB3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Aston Martin DB3. (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Aston Martin DB3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Aston Martin DB3 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Pontiac |
| Model | DB3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2922 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 221 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 914 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1050 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
